Bread band



Jan. 12, 1932.

0. B. ANDREWS BREAD BAND Filed May 5, 1931 L J m n 1 y mvm @Z i 1 Z? Myi Z Z?! 2 Z24 1 BY HIS ATTORNEYS.-

Patented Jan. 12, 1932 UNITED STATES OLIVER ."B. ANDREWS, OFGHATTAINOOGA, TENNESSEE BREAD BAND I Application filed May 5, 1931.Serial No. 535,109.

This invention relates to a container for sliced bread and similararticles which is adapted to hold the bread from the time it leaves thebake oven until it is used by the consumer.

The invention provides a container of the above type which covers asubstantial portion of the surface of the loaf and secures the slicestogether in a firm manner whereby 1G evaporation therefrom is materiallyreduced. Means is also provided for adjusting the size of the containerto accommodate loaves of various dimensions and also to hold theremaining slices in firm position after a portion of the slices havebeen removed for use.

The invention also provides a cheap, simple, efficient and compactdevice of the type above indicated which may be readily applied to asliced loaf and which may be shipped from the factory in compact foldedcondition.

The invention also consists in certain new and original features ofconstruction and combinations of parts hereinafter set forth andclaimed.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthis invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appendedhereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and themanner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood byreferring to the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in

which i Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sliced loaf of bread showingthe relative positions of the container and outside'wrapper;

Fig. 2 is a perspective View showing the details of the container;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the container in adjusted positionafter certain of the slices have been removed; and

Fig. 4 isa plan view showing the blank from which the container is made.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures ofthe drawings.

In the following'description and in the claims, various details will beidentified by specific names for convenience, but they are mutuallyadjustable interlocking of the ends thereof, whereby the band may becontracted or expanded to any desired size. The pre ferred material foruse in the improved bands is a flexible paper board of suitablethickness and finish and having a certain inherent stiffness ortoughness.

Referring to the drawings more in detail it will be noted-that the bandcomprises a strip which is adapted to be bent around the bottom, endsand top of a loaf and to hold the slices securely in their originalpositions. The band is provided with a score 10 which permits the sameto be bent upwardly past one end of the loaf and'with a double score 11which permits end 12 to be bent over the top of the loaf and to lie incompact engagement therewith. The band is also provided with a pluralityof parallel scores 13 which permit the end 14 to be bent around theother end of the loaf into engagement with the top surfacethereof and toaccommodate the band to loaves of various sizes. End 12 is formed with atapered ed e from which a plurality of slots 15 exten to substantiallythe center line of the band. Said slots are of progressively decreasinglength and form therebetween tongues 16 which have inclined edges 17extending at an angle to the angle of taper of the end whereby aserrated effect is produced. End l l is provided with a tuck 18 which isformed by a slot 19 of substantial width. Said tuck 18 has a roundededge 20 which permits the same to more readily engage slots 15.

In assembling the band, a sliced loaf is placed thereon with one endadjacent score 10. The end 12 is then bent around the end of the loaf,as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, about scores 10 and 11. End 14 is thenbent around the opposite end of the loaf about suitable scores 13 andslot 19 is brought into engagement with a complementary slot 15.-

The band may be tightened about the loaf by sliding slot 19 along theserrated edges 17 of the various tongues 16, after which the band may belocked bybringing slots and 19 into engagement with tongues 18 and 16respectively.

After the band is positioned, a suitable outside wrapper 20 may beapplied about the loaf which may thereafter be handled in a mannersimilar to uncut loaves. The loaf is then in condition to be sold orshipped.

During use, after certain of the slices have been removed, the band maybe tightened by bending end 14 about suitable scores 13 and bringing thetongue 18 into engagement with a suitable slot 15 as illustrated in Fig.3. It will be noted that the locking means disclosed is adjustable forvarious sizes of loaves and may be adjusted to maintain the slices incompact position regardless of the removal of certain of the slices foruse. The band covers the top and bottom and two ends of the loaf andthereby protects that portion of the surface of. the bread and lessensthe amount of evaporation which can take place therefrom. The variouscreases permit the band to lie snugly. around the loaf and therebyfirmly hold the slices in compact position whereby evaporation from thecut surface is minimized. The adjustable fea ture also permits thiscondition to be maintained regardlem of the number of slices which havebeen removed for use.

It will be noted that the band may be assembled without the use of glueor other foreign substance which might contaminate the bread or affectits flavor and that it can be shipped flat to the manufacturer by whomit is to be assembled, thereby reducing the cost of transportation.Furthermore, the band is of such dimension that it does not interferewith the subsequent wrapping of the loaf or appreciably increase theweight or size thereof.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed andare pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood thatvarious omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing-from the spirit of the invention.For example, the band has been disclosed as passed over the top andbottom of the loaf by way ofillustration. It is obvious, however, thatit may be passed around the sides of the loaf or may encircle the loafin any other manner.

What is claimed is: s

1. An improved band for sliced bread or the like comprising, a band ofrelatively stiff yet flexible paper material, said strip being scoredintermediate of its end to provide an adjustable loaf supportingportion, an integral tongue member at one end of said strip, a pluralityof parallel slots at the opposite end of the strip, said slots definingtongue members, said tongue members havin mitered ends to facilitateengagement 0 said members with the first named tongue on the strip whenbrought into' sliding contact therewith.

2. An improved band for sliced bread or the like comprising, aband ofrelatively stiff yet flexible paper board, said strip being scoredintermediate of its ends to provide an adjustable loaf supportingportion, an integral tongue member at one end of said strip,

a plurality of parallel slots at the opposite end of the strip, saidslots defining tongue members of progressively decreasing length, themembers being adapted to readily engage the first named tongue onthestrip, when brought into sliding contact therewith.

3. An improved bread band comprising, a band of flexible paper boardscored transversely of its length at one end thereof, one end beingprovided with a tongue and groove member, the other end being providedwith a plurality of parallel slots defining tongue members therebetween,each of said tongues being cut diagonally with respect to the slots toform a tapered end portion adapted to readily engage the first namedtongue and groove when brought into sliding contact therewith. I J

4. An improved bread band comprising, a band of flexible paper boardscored transversely of its length-at one end thereof, one end beingprovided with a tongue and groove member and the other end thereof beingprovided with a plurality of tongues and slots of progressivelydecreasing length and extending to substantially the center of the band,the said last named tongues andslots being adapted for slidingengagement with the first named tongue and groove.

5. A band as described in claim 4 including a centrally scored portion.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

OLIVER B. ANDREWS. H

